Clinic 9-5 or hospital, please help!

[kayray]

Hi! I would love some advice. 

I have been nursing for a little over 2 years now, I started in med-surg and 7 months ago made it to the mother-baby floor, which has been good! I did, however, have to switch to nights which I really wanted to work but my body has still not adjusted to. I am still not able to sleep before going into work and sleep maybe 4 hours in between shifts. While I am at work I enjoy it, this was my dream floor, but I dread when I have to go in. 

 

I have been married also for two years and having to work nights, weekends, holidays, has been bumming me out. I have applied to a clinic 9-5 job and was asked to come in for an interview but now I am starting to second guess everything. I have never works a 9-5 before and am worried I could end up hating not having the days off like I do now. Right now on the days I work my husband is home for half an hour and I leave, but that is only 2/3 nights a week. The thought of every night, weekend, and holiday together does sound nice. But change is scary and I cannot decide which is better! I would love some advice!!

 

Additionally, we have no children right now but are hoping soon so that also adds more to me as one may be better now, but one may be better if/when I become a mom. 

[EDNURSE20, BSN]

I’m currently job hunting too. I had the same though as you, calling interviews off for whatever reason. But actually going to the interview and finding out more about the job has been super helpful. If I have the interview and decide I don’t want the job, then no harm done. At least now I know for sure. 

I've been doing shift work for 10 years. I’m over it. I want Monday to Friday. I know a lot of people that have left where I currently work, and they are all loving it. But only you will know if it’s right for you. 

Go to the interview. See what you think. And if the Monday to Friday jobs don’t work out, you can always go to the hospital. you won’t know if you don’t try. 

[TippyTappyMeow, MSN]

I say go to the interview for the clinic job and keep looking. The two largest organizations in my areas offer clinic positions with different hours. Some offer late hours or have nurses work 4 x 10's.

I found a position that allows me 1 day a week to work half shifts alternating late start and leaving early. I felt like this was a good compromise to get my appointments in during the week. I'll also work one Saturday a month for four hours.

[NightNerd, MSN, RN]

As someone who left bedside for the five day work week and promptly returned, I can assure you that it's not hard getting back in! Go on your interview, ask questions and shadow if possible, and if it sounds like it will work better for you, give it a try. I feel like every new job will have its "what have I done?!" moments, so give yourself some time to adjust, but it will not be the end of the world if you decide to go back to hospital nursing and there will definitely be a place for you, LOL. Good luck!